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What is the process for changing from a DTV to a regular working visa in Thailand?

Visa Process Non-B Visa DTV Visa Work Permit Expat Employment Thailand Immigration Visa Sponsorship

Jul 14, 2025

21 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Dear group, now after 8 month of soft-power DTV I might need to change my visa to a regular working visa. As I just applied to a bunch of white-collar expat jobs here in BKK and already have interviews scheduled.

I'd assume the process is pretty intense, but would be handled by (company) lawyers anyways.

Just to get a broader picture: has somebody in this group done this Visa transformation? How was it?

Anything one should know?

(PS: It would be also a bit strange and first time for me to be 'totally' in the hands of the visa sponsor company - at least this is how I'd likely feel in the first few months. What do you think?)

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is seeking information on converting a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) to a Non-B (working) visa in Thailand, as they have secured expat job interviews in Bangkok. They express concern about the dependency on the employer for visa sponsorship. Comments from the community outline the typical process, emphasizing that the company lawyers usually handle the visa transition. It's noted that while one cannot hold two visas simultaneously, a DTV can potentially be paused when switching to a Non-B visa, though many would recommend leaving Thailand to simplify the visa paperwork.

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Anonymous ******************

I was told if you get non b visa you can methodically hold dtv and it goes on the back burner until the non b visa is over then you are put back on dtv just what I've be told

20 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous participant 531 interesting!

20 days ago

Reply to

Anonymous *************

Greg ********

I dunno what you mean about being in the hands of the Visa Sponsor. If you leave the company, your or their decision, the WP will be cancelled and your visa too. You then have 7 or 14 days to leave Thailand. You can do an immediate border bounce no issue. In many countries in the world your visa is tied to your employer -Singapore for example same. It is pretty normal. The job, work permit and visa run together no matter what they are called.

21 days ago

Anonymous ******************

You'll be indeed in the hands of your visa sponsor (aka employer) and this is part of usual rules here if you wish to work with a Thai registered company. You'll get used to it don't worry.

21 days ago

Greg ********

I did not go DTV to B but O to B. Your company lawyers should know the process. At the company I worked at HR did all the processing and mine they had never done before. Every other foreigner hired from outside Thailand or transferred. I had to fly to Singapore to get the B bit company should give you all the paperwork required. Good luck and hope it all goes smoothly.

21 days ago

John **********

You can't cancel the DTV you already have and you can't hold 2 visas simultaneously. You should be able to convert a DTV to another visa type at an immigration office inside Thailand but that would very much depend on your prospective employer being able to satisfy the requirements for a Non-B visa inside Thailand, most want you to leave Thailand to obtain the Non-B as the paperwork is considerably less, but that won't work in your situation

21 days ago

Reply to

John **********

Should I switch from a DTV visa to a work permit through an Employer of Record in Thailand?

19 comments

2 months ago

Can you convert a DTV to a Non-B/Work Permit in Thailand without leaving the country?

5 comments

2 months ago

What is the process for setting up a business in Thailand as an expat and transitioning from a DTV to a Non-O marriage visa?

11 comments

3 months ago